Job Description

About us

For more than three decades, KPMB Architects has evolved in response to a changing world and worked to change it for the better. Guided by our purpose and anchored by our values, KPMB crafts design solutions that catalyze positive change.

As a full-service practice working across Canada and the United States, we provide expertise in building design, interior design, master planning, workplace strategy, project management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable design. KPMB has designed and delivered projects totaling more than 31 million square feet in a diverse range of sectors, including education, healthcare, scientific research, arts and culture, government, corporate, hospitality, recreation, and mixed-use development.

With uncompromising rigor and close attention to the increasingly complex needs of the world around us, our diverse team devotes their expertise, passion, and creativity to solve today's challenges and unlock new opportunities for our clients and the communities we serve.

Our world is rapidly changing with the unprecedented impact of the climate crisis. Understanding architecture's impact on the environment and the urgency of addressing the crisis is paramount to KPMB. KPMB Lab is hyper-focused on leading research to develop innovative, cost-efficient solutions that reduce carbon emissions and support regenerative design. To drive innovation forward, we approach this work holistically with clients, stakeholders, and allied professionals.

KPMB Lab is integrated into every one of our projects. From the onset, we work with our design teams to unlock opportunities for clients and communities. The Lab supports projects through real-time analysis of design concepts to inform decisions and drive tangible outcomes. To facilitate firm knowledge sharing and collaboration, the Lab regularly hosts leading researchers and practitioners to share insights and expertise with our team. Through partnerships with universities and like-minded institutions, working to accelerate sustainable design by contributing to research that addresses the biggest questions and most pressing challenges our industry is facing. We're constantly exploring and advancing how our work contributes to community building, health and well-being, social equity, resource conservation, and ultimately, the resilience of our planet.

The role / What are we looking for?

KPMB is seeking a passionate and experienced Sustainability Lead to support our firm's environmental sustainability strategy across all projects and operations. This role will lead the integration of sustainable design principles and collaborate closely with design teams to embed and leverage climate-responsive solutions. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in sustainable architecture, strong leadership skills, an outgoing personality, and a vision for regenerative design.

In this role, you will be responsible for supporting KPMB's Sustainability Champions network across all project phases, helping project teams converge on evidence-based solutions that optimize energy efficiency, carbon reductions, and occupant comfort. Candidates will support teams with life cycle assessments, simple modelling and analysis, software training and support the development of design strategies.

KPMB LAB is an incubator for ideas, skills, and processes aimed at solving the important challenges posed by climate change. As the Sustainability Lead, you will play a critical role working with our team to integrate new design, material, and construction strategies to advance building performance.

Select key responsibilities:

Embedding Sustainable Design Excellence

Support the Sustainability Champions team in the integration of sustainability strategies and climate-responsive design across all architectural projects, ensuring alignment with KPMB's values and long-term environmental goals. Collaborate with internal design teams and leadership to ensure sustainability is a core metric of project success, influencing design decisions, client communications, and stakeholder engagement. Mentor and support staff across the studio, deepening knowledge and internal capacity in sustainable design while fostering a culture of innovation and environmental stewardship. Organize knowledge sharing presentations from invited guests and develop and manage internal training sessions and programs for KPMB staff. Contribute to proposal development, develop responses to client briefs and strategic pursuits, positioning KPMB's sustainability expertise as a differentiator in competitive bids.

Innovation and Development

Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, policies, and industry trends, translating insights into actionable strategies for projects and firm-wide initiatives. Work with senior KPMB staff to identify opportunities for innovation to support the practice. Lead research projects and associated publications for KPMB Lab.

Industry Impact and Collaborations

Build and maintain strategic relationships with academic institutions and industry partners to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. Represent KPMB in professional networks, conferences, and academic collaborations, advancing thought leadership in sustainable architecture and urbanism. Actively participate in external working groups, advisory panels, and committees related to sustainability, climate action, and social impact.

Candidate Profile + Qualifications

Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture or a related field, coupled with a background in sustainable building design. A minimum of eight (8) years experience in a consulting capacity focused on sustainable architectural design Demonstrated proficiency with environmental analysis software (e.g. Ladybug, Honeybee, and ClimateStudio). Experience with life cycle assessment tools (e.g. OneClick LCA, Tally, Athena, EC3) Working proficiency in Revit and Rhino. Proven ability to analyze, integrate and interpret climate data. Strong understanding of embodied carbon and life cycle assessment (LCA) and their application and role in the design process. Understanding of building envelope systems and the factors affecting building performance. Ability to assess and refine the thermal performance of envelope systems. Ability to learn new technical skills quickly. Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment, with both internal and external stakeholders. Excellent verbal, presentation and written communication skills. Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills. Possession of, or in the process of obtaining LEED AP, Passivhaus Certified Designer, WELL Accredited Professional, Fitwell Certificate, and/or similar industry certifications is an asset.

Why work with us

Founded in 1987, KPMB Architects has evolved a diverse portfolio of architectural projects with a focus on building healthy, vibrant cities and communities. KPMB has grown to 100+ employees and is recognized for its highly collaborative, supportive staff with a wide variety of experience and education. Some of our team members have grown with the firm from the beginning of their careers to become leaders, while others have joined at various points in their career and bring new ideas and approaches. We provide a learning environment where teaching, mentoring, and collaboration is an essential part of our DNA. At KPMB, there are many opportunities to share your skills, get involved in firm activities outside of project work, and contribute to initiatives that give back.

KPMB is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve. KPMB Architects is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected status.

If you require any accommodation or assistance during the recruitment process, please let us know when you submit your application. KPMB is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.

Salary:

Compensation starts at an annualized base salary of $90,000.00 and is commensurate with experience.

Transportation and bike storage:

A daily free shuttle bus between Union Station and KPMB's office is provided for all staff who use the subway system or GO transit, from Monday to Thursday. Underground bicycle parking and shower facilities are also available.